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A delicious-looking one-pan cheesy ground beef and rice skillet in a cast-iron pan, garnished with fresh parsley. The meal is hearty and ready to serve, representing an easy budget ground beef recipe.

One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

A fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a gooey cheese topping. This is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet A 12-inch skillet is ideal. A Dutch oven also works perfectly.
  • Spatula  For breaking up the ground beef and stirring.
  • Knife & Cutting Board For dicing the onion, pepper, and garli
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons For measuring rice, broth, and spices accurately.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion diced
  • 1 `` Red Bell Pepper `diced`
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice uncooked
  • 1 15 oz can Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 2 ½ cups Beef Broth low-sodium optional
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese

Instructions
 

  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Combine and Simmer: Stir in the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Melt the Cheese: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Place the lid back on for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey blanket. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

    • Healthier Swaps: For a healthier version, use 93/7 lean ground turkey, brown rice (increase simmer time to 40 mins and add ½ cup extra broth), and low-sodium beef broth.
    • Add More Veggies: Feel free to stir in a cup of frozen corn, black beans, or a handful of fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
    • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months.